Let's make something
beautiful together.
Shadé Akanbi is a print and textile designer whose work spans fashion, home, hospitality and lifestyle; with a track record of partnerships from Starbucks to Anthropologie to Diane von Furstenberg.
If you're looking for a creative partner who brings both craft and culture to the table, you're in the right place.
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my approach:
I'm a Nigerian-American artist and true global citizen, my designs are shaped by a life spent traveling, absorbing color, texture and culture from every corner of the world. That perspective shows up in everything I make: prints and patterns that feel both worldly and specific, bold enough to anchor a collection and nuanced enough to reward a second look.
I trained at Spelman College and FIT and built my foundation working at the highest levels of the industry from Ralph Lauren Polo and DvF to Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese. Today I work directly with brands as a licensing partner, collaborator and creative director, bringing that same rigorous eye to every project.
where my work lives
Fashion & apparel
RTW, swimwear, accessories, footwear, and seasonal collections
Home & interiors
Wallpaper, tile, bedding, upholstery, tabletop, and soft furnishings
Hospitality
Hotel interiors, restaurant environments, branded amenities and packaging
Lifestyle & gifting
Stationery, drinkware, packaging, seasonal and limited-edition drops
Travel & transport
Airline interiors, travel accessories, and destination brand collaborations
Custom & bespoke
Original designs created exclusively for your brand, product, or space
Licensing options:
Outright purchase
Full ownership transfer of the design. One-time fee, no ongoing royalties.
Exclusive license
Sole rights within a product category or territory for a defined term.
Non-exclusive license
Rights to use the design across a defined application - the most flexible entry point.
Royalty / commission
Quarterly royalty payments based on net sales. Ideal for long-term collections.
Start the conversation:
Reach out with your project brief: category, timeline and any aesthetic direction you have in mind. No formal deck required to get started.
Explore the work:
I'll share relevant designs from my existing library, or we can discuss a custom brief if you're looking for something made specifically for your brand.
Terms & proposal:
You'll receive a clear licensing proposal covering scope, territory, exclusivity, term and fees - straightforward, no surprises.
Agreement & delivery:
Once we've agreed on terms, I'll deliver final artwork files in all formats your production process requires.
how we work together
Whether you have a specific brief or just want to explore what's possible, I'm open to the conversation. International inquiries are always welcome…some of my favorite work has come from unexpected places!
Reach out via the contact page.
I typically respond within 2 business days.
I'd love to hear about your project!